In a prelude to their upcoming inaugural season, the Penny Seats Theatre Company has partnered with Mediterrano Restaurant in Ann Arbor to present Penny Pieces, a single evening of food, song, and high spirits on Saturday, Jan. 29.

The evening kicks off with an assortment of strolling hors d'oeuvres and drinks, courtesy of Mediterrano’s beautifully stocked cash bar. Penny Seats company members will mix and mingle with guests prior to a lovely plated dinner (choose from salmon à la Grecque, chicken kebab, or a delectable vegetarian option). Then, as dessert and coffee are served, Penny Seats company members will present a cabaret show.

The show will feature a variety of Broadway tunes old and new, group numbers and solo pieces. And, as a bonus, the company vows to stage the first ever live performance of its much-talked-about original theme song, “The Penny Seats Are Nothing But Trouble,” which the group wrote and recorded to kick off its recently completed fundraising campaign. Tickets are $40 for one, or $75 for a couple.

“We considered charging more for tickets, but it didn’t make sense for us,” explained Lauren M. London, Penny Seats’ president, in a press release. “Our aim is to be as accessible as possible. This evening is simply meant to be brief, fun, and engaging. We’re aiming to revel in our existence, to meet people, and give a glimpse of what we do.” Advance tickets can be bought via the Brown Paper Tickets website or by phone at 1-800-838-3006.

The company’s early partnership with a local restaurant may be a sign of things to come. The group expects to host a handful of similar low (or no)-cost, eat-and-watch events as they prepare for their first full summer production, Anne-Marie MacDonald’s award-winning "Goodnight, Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet)," which will grace the West Park Band Shell in August.

"Penny Pieces: A Dinner and Cabaret" takes place at 7 p.m. Jan. 29 at Mediterrano Restaurant, 2900 S. State Street. Advance Tickets ($40/$75 for 2): http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/142904 Limited door tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, for $45.